Auntie Zhang may have had plenty of opinions running wild in her heart, but on the surface, she wore the perfect smile.
"Miss Lin," she said politely, "I've come on behalf of the young master and our miss to check on you. How are you feeling?"
Lin Xiner returned the smile gracefully, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes. "I'm doing fine. Is the President and Mrs. Yu all right?"
"Miss Hailey was a little shaken up, but she's recovering well now. The young master stayed by her side all night," Auntie Zhang replied smoothly, her tone respectful but neutral.
"…Oh." That single syllable was soft, but it couldn't hide the sour note lacing her voice.
"Miss Hailey also asked me to thank you for saving them last night. She wants you to rest and focus on healing. Don't worry about anything else."
Lin Xiner nodded faintly. "Please thank her for her kindness."
"Well then, I'll let you get your rest." Auntie Zhang offered a warm smile before turning and walking out.
Not once during the entire exchange had she been rude or cold. She hadn't even said anything remotely sarcastic.
And yet—mission accomplished.
Because the blow had landed exactly where it was meant to.
Lin Xiner might've been the one who got injured the worst last night, but Ethan Yu had stayed by Hailey Tang's side the entire time.
She had been in the room right next door. Just a few steps away.
And still, Ethan hadn't visited her even once.
Not even to ask if she was okay.
The person he sent to check on her wasn't himself, but Hailey. Hailey, who probably only did it out of politeness.
That alone was enough to make one thing clear—her injuries meant absolutely nothing to Ethan Yu.
Lin Xiner couldn't explain the feeling in her chest. It wasn't just disappointment. It was deeper than that, heavier. Something like… sorrow.
The last time she'd been hospitalized, Ethan had come to see her in person. He'd even stayed to talk with her.
But this time?
She'd saved his life—and he hadn't even shown his face.
Why?
Why did everything suddenly feel so off?
Like the script she'd been following was quietly being rewritten behind her back.
Things weren't going according to plan anymore.
She didn't know how or why, but something was definitely wrong.
Meanwhile, back at the villa, Hailey had already returned home.
After a long hot shower and a delicious lunch, she felt human again. Recharged. Light.
Then, without hesitation, she began packing.
She had to be ready by tomorrow.
Her freedom was scheduled for delivery.
Auntie Zhang had stayed behind to help, though confusion was all over her face. "Miss, why are you packing? Are you… moving?"
Hailey nodded casually. "Mm-hmm. I'll be moving out tomorrow."
"What?!" Auntie Zhang's eyes widened in shock.
Of course, Hailey couldn't tell her the real reason—that she and Ethan were getting divorced.
That bombshell was still under wraps.
"I just want to live somewhere else for a while," she said vaguely.
"But why?" Auntie Zhang pressed. "You've always lived here. Why move out all of a sudden?"
Hailey offered her a carefree smile. "This place is too big. Too empty. It's a little stifling, honestly. I think I just need a change of environment."
Auntie Zhang studied her for a long moment, her worry barely hidden. "Miss… did something happen between you and the young master?"
"No, nothing like that," Hailey replied quickly. "I just want to get out for a bit. Please don't tell Grandpa, okay?"
"But—"
"Zhang Ma," Hailey interrupted softly, "please. Don't ask any more questions. Just help me this once, okay?"
Auntie Zhang finally sighed and laughed. "When have I ever not helped you?"
Hailey reached over and hugged her, her tone gentle and sincere. "I know. You've always taken care of me. Thank you."
Emotion welled up in Auntie Zhang's chest. She didn't ask anything else after that. She simply nodded and went back to helping Hailey sort through her things.
After all, what use was knowing too much? Her job was to look after her girl. That was all that mattered.
Hailey didn't plan on taking much with her. Just the important things—clothes, documents, and a few personal items.
The rest? She was leaving it all behind.
It didn't take long. Within an hour or so, everything was neatly packed and sealed.
She sat down on the edge of the bed and looked around.
The villa felt… hollow.
More than usual.
Truth was, it had always felt a little cold, a little too big. But now? Now it was downright desolate.
Like all the warmth had been vacuumed out of the place.
It was hard to believe she had once tried so hard to make this place feel like home. Placed flowers in every corner. Set the dining table with care. Waited up for a man who never came home on time.
And for what?
To sit in a hollow shell of a marriage where she felt more like a shadow than a wife?
Hailey exhaled slowly and leaned back on her hands, letting the silence settle over her.
She was finally leaving this place.
This tomb of a house.
Tomorrow marked the end of a chapter she never should've written in the first place.
And this time—she wasn't looking back.